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Waste-Free Wrapping

Updated: Nov 26, 2020

The holidays are a joyful time of year to spend with family, friends, and enjoying one another's company. To show your appreciation, it's natural to want to give presents to your loved ones. This holiday season we invite you to consider greener gifting options like doing an activity together or DIYing a present. For those following a wish-list, you can still reduce your gift-giving impact by wrapping your presents in a way that is sustainable!


It's estimated that Canadians send 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper to the landfill each holiday season. That's the equivalent of 100,000 elephants!

As most wrapping paper is a combination of plastic, paper, and sometimes foil all mixed together, it makes it difficult to separate during the recycling process. Don't worry - you can still show people you care while caring for the planet too!


PAPER

Paper is a simple and effective option for wrapping gifts in a way that is environmentally mindful. Being 100% recyclable, paper can be placed into regular curb-side collection for proper disposal. Personalize the packaging using homemade stamps or messaging.

  • Newspaper

  • Brown Kraft Paper

To secure paper in place, use washi tape, a plastic-free alternative and typically derived from bamboo or hemp.


REUSABLE BAG or BOX

Give your friends and family the gift of reusing! Boxes have many great uses, like storing items in your home or they can be re-used and gifted to someone else in the future. Tote and cloth bags also make for a fun and uniquely-wrapped gift that can be reused for shopping, groceries and produce, bulk buys or snacks on-the-go.


See some of our favourite locally-made reusable bags below:




CLOTH

For wrapping without paper you can explore the Furoshiki technique, using cloth to bundle gifts. Preloved material, an old bandana or other fabric cloth will do the trick!


Find locally-made cloth wraps from these lovely makers:



JAR

If secrecy for the gift isn't a concern, consider upcycling a container or jar to enclose your present. The simplicity of a jar offers a minimalist approach to wrapping, while giving the gift of reuse!


ACCESSORIES

To finish off your wrapping, you can spruce up the look by adding a few accessories! Here are our sustainable suggestions:

  • Twine + string

  • Burlap

  • Greenery + Pinecones (or natural-growing finishes local to your area of the word!)

  • Cinnamon Sticks

  • Dried Orange Slices - learn how to make them here!

  • Lace

  • Wooden Buttons


This holiday season, and for any celebration, we encourage you to indulge in giving the gift of green! Use these sustainable alternatives to minimize your wrapping waste and to inspire others to do the same.

 

For more eco-friendly holiday fun, check out our blogs that explore Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees, Green Gifting, and hosting a Low-Waste Party.

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